Prediction: Manchester City to win and both teams to score
Odds: 13/8
Bookmaker: 888Sport
New Leicester City manager Claude Puel will be given his harshest examination of his credentials at the weekend as his team welcome table-topping Manchester City to the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The East-Midlanders will look to halt the Sky Blues’ excellent run of form in recent months.
Leicester City
It is fair to suggest that Leicester City have enjoyed a new manager bounce since the sacking of Craig Shakespeare last month. The Foxes have won three out of their last four games in all competitions, reaching the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup in the process. Their positive form stretches back even further than too – Leicester have only lost one out of their last nine clashes and currently sit 12th in the Premier League table. Puel’s men could even jump up as high as eighth with a win over Manchester City at the weekend. They will however rue their result against Stoke City before the international break. The Foxes twice led at the Bet365 Stadium but the hosts were able to snatch a draw thanks to Peter Crouch’s late strike.
The Foxes will certainly be looking to make their home advantage count against the Citizens. They have won seven out of their last 12 matches at the King Power Stadium, including a 2-0 victory over Everton in their last home clash. The visitors will also have to make sure to keep their attack quiet. Jamie Vardy and co. have been prolific in recent months and haven’t failed to find the back of the net at home since a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United back in February.
Team News
Claude Puel will not have to make too many changes to the team that toiled to a point against the Potters nearly two weeks ago. Goal-scorer that afternoon, Vincente Iborra, picked up a slight knock so could be doubtful. Defender Ben Chilwell missed international duty with a knee injury but could recover in time for the clash against Manchester City. Long-term absentees Robert Huth and Matty James remain ruled out.
Manchester City
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City head to the East Midlands in red-hot form. The current Premier League leaders sit at the top of the table with an eye-catching eight point advantage over neighbours Manchester United. As a matter of fact, the two-time champions have only dropped points on one occasion, winning 10 out of their 11 games. There appears to be no chink in their armour too, having only conceded seven league goals so far during the 2017/18 campaign. Goal-scoring has also been relatively straight-forward this year too – they have netted nearly three goals a game on average.
The Citizens’ away form could potentially be ominous for their opponents at the weekend. They have only lost one out of their last 13 league games away from the Etihad Stadium, including winning their last six games. In that time, Guardiola’s troops only conceded nine goals. Heading to Leicester then, the Sky Blues could potentially stretch their lead at the top of the table to an eye-watering 11 points.
Team News
Guardiola could have a couple of potential boosts with the 2015/16 Premier League champions. Vincent Kompany, Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph could all return from respective knocks to play at the King Power Stadium. Benjamin Mendy remains ruled out with a long-term knee injury. Nicolás Otamendi is suspended so will not be able to take part, whilst Sergio Aguero, who was reported to have suffered dizziness during the international break is expected to be fit.
Key Facts To Consider
- Manchester City have won nine Premier League matches in a row
- The Citizens have the far better record between the two teams (W54, D29, L29)
- Pep Guardiola’s men won the last clash 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium
- Leicester City have only lost two home league games against Manchester City in the last 20 years
- There have been 13 goals scored in the last three clashes between the two
Conclusion
Whilst the recovering Foxes will certainly be no pushovers at the King Power Stadium, Manchester City should yet again continue their fantastic form as they travel to the East Midlands. Their attacking flair will be key in the clash with Gabriel Jesus and Leroy Sane producing most of the threat.
The Foxes’ defence that showed signs of weakness against Stoke City last time out should be under pressure. Their players in the final third, such as Jamie Vardy could have an impact though with a much-changed Manchester City backline taking to the field. It could be a good could bet for both teams to find the back of the net at the King Power Stadium but the visitors should have enough to claim the three points.
Prediction: Manchester City to win and both teams to score
Odds: 13/8
Bookmaker: 888Sport
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